Now that we’ve all dumped ice water on our heads and the ALS Association has raised over $116 million dollars, it’s time to talk about why the Ice Bucket Challenge really worked. MORE
Put the following words everywhere you possibly can: “Please consider making a gift to {your organization} in your will and financial plan.” The post Start Putting These Words Everywhere Right Now appeared first on MarketSmart. MORE
The word bequest sucks when it comes to generating planned gift revenue. The post Here’s why you should remove the word "bequest" from your vocabulary appeared first on MarketSmart | . Stop using it. MORE
Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/28681973@N00/15053486347/. OK, copywriters. Listen up. It’s year-end fundraising time. You’re probably planning to crank up your nonprofit’s email schedule with fundraising appeals in December. How many are you going to send? MORE
If crafted right, these eight words (or less) will complement your organization’s name to convey its unique impact or value with personality, passion, and commitment. Magical, memorable and likely to be repeated, in just a few words! You have a priceless, DOABLE opportunity to position your organization, programs, services, campaigns, and events in audiences’ hearts, minds, schedules, and wallets: Relevant messages ! Your tagline is the heart of your message platform. MORE
Confession: I’m a slut when it comes to words. In Tom’s words: “Brand” used to mean logo, typeface, color, packaging, jingles and ads. I believe, too much so, that they matter more than any other symbol of human communication. MORE
Shortly after that meeting I heard a major donor say nearly the same darn thing but they switched a few words around as follows: “The only time I would feel comfortable giving a donation. Did you notice which words got switched? MORE
In preparation for the onslaught of company at my house this week, I’ve cleaned off my dining room table. It serves as a catch-all for the mail and other junk we bring in. In the stack of mail is a newsletter from my horse vet. He’s about 80-something years old and still makes farm calls. MORE
I see a few friends who are setting their intentions for the year by choosing 3 words from Seth Godin’s new guide “ What Matters Now.&# I thought I’d do the same. Instead of choosing 3 words for me, I thought I’d choose 3 things I want for you. Think about what this year might hold if you grabbed these 3 words and took them to heart. Will you take on these 3 words for your year? MORE
Excuse me, but I just gotta get this out of my system. I am so fed up with reading and hearing from those who use the term ‘strategy’ without the slightest idea what it means. It’s a disease of dumbness and idiocy that has particularly infected the consulting community. MORE
Put the following words everywhere you possibly can: “Please consider making a gift to {your organization} in your will and financial plan.” The post Start Putting These Words Everywhere Right Now appeared first on MarketSmart. MORE
Here are some of the most important takeaways from our Speed Consulting for Nonprofit Websites webinars, featuring Mark Rovner and Alia McKee SeaChange Strategies along with our own Katya Andresen. Don’t leave your common sense at the door ? ?. Don’t make them have to think (the most important rule!). Interaction with your organization's website should be easy and fulfilling. Visitors don't want to have to stop their search to figure out where to go. MORE
Can you condense your New Year’s Resolutions down to just three words? Why Three Words? Even though I have been a long-time fan of Chris Brogan, and I am an avid reader of Rob Hatch’s email musings, I have never created my own three words for a year. Word #2: Focus. MORE
Asking partners, friends and fans to spread the word may be the most effective, yet least expensive, marketing method there is. The Method: Make it easy for partners and bloggers in the nonprofit arena, plus YouTube influencers, to spread the word. MORE
They certainly aren’t the types of words you would usually use to increase click-through, response, and conversion rates. “As a medical professional”…. That was simple, no? And, alas, they may not work for you. MORE
I’m sure you’re familiar with the phrase “A picture is worth a 1000 words.” Donors get so many messages from different sources that sometimes they don’t want to read another word. It’s become somewhat of a cliche, but it’s also quite relevant in this time of information overload. MORE
Here are some of the most powerful words used frequently in advertising: finally. Here are some of the most powerful words used for persuasion: you. thank you (two words…). Want to see which words work for planned gift marketing? The post Can changing your words help you raise more money? suddenly. announcing. introducing. improved. amazing. sensational. remarkable. fantastic. revolutionary. startling. miracle. magic. offer. quick. wanted. challenge. MORE
Recently, Lake Superior State University published its 35th annual List of Banished Words for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness. It included terms from 2009 such as friend (as a verb—thanks, Facebook); Tweet (good luck not using that one, nonprofiteers); and chillaxin’ (which I’m pretty sure isn’t a word to begin with, but yes, it’s tremendously annoying and disturbingly ubiquitous). And by the way, impactful isn’t a real word. MORE
Just a 4-word phrase, “Worth a Thousand Words”. But have you ever thought about telling your story without words? I came across a picture the other night on Facebook that I promptly shared. It had no explanation, no tag, no link, no credit, no nothing. MORE
Most of the time you read advice about words that are good to use in fundraising … like ‘you’ But here’s a fascinating article on seven words to avoid on your website conversion pages. Spam (such an evil word, it hurts results even to say you won’t do it!). We (a word referencing the messenger not the recipient, thus distracting. MORE
The only famous last words that matter are your call to action. Vice-Presidential candidate Paul Ryan aced it in his closing statement to last week’s debate: “The choice is clear, and the choice rests with you. And we ask you for your vote. Thank you.” MORE
Thanks to Fast Company for highlighting this fantastic example of effective graphic communication. Take a look here to digest the entire poster , then move quickly to hide your bottle of water under your desk. More seriously, this is graphic communication at its finest. I learned (and retain) more about the detriment that bottled water production contributes to our world (and our health, in some cases) in five minutes here than I ever would have in digesting a few paragraphs of text. MORE
Twice now I’ve written about cause marketing campaigns that can be summed up in six-words. Both times I heard back from readers inspired to pen their own cause marketing summation in six-words. The six-word line is; “You Share. MORE
Do you see your organization in these words? What’s your organization’s personality in three words (either now, or what you aspire to)? MORE
Last week one of my blog posts told you make sure to stay away from the word “bequest” in your communications with donors. But I failed to tell you what word or words to use instead. MORE
I’ve been having some fun with word clouds and the one at the left is from this very blog. Like many such things, this word cloud hides as much as elucidates. It’s plain, for instance, that the word cloud generator only grabs posts from the top-most page of the blog. causemarketing.biz word cloudQuick post today from the left coast. Still, it has its own beauty. Cause-Related Marketing does a world of good. MORE
I love words. I’ve made most of my career out of educating and persuading people through words. And yes, with an occasional photo or graphic to back me up. But now there’s video … but not just video … online video. MORE
As someone who earns a living largely through the written word, I’m about to make a difficult admission. When you’re pitching a story to the media, words aren’t enough. But don’t just take my word for it. Peter Panepento. MORE
“Look,” I said, “Curse words are like lightning bolts. The post 3 reasons why I use curse words (but only one that matters) appeared first on MarketSmart, LLC |. She told me others would say I was unprofessional. MORE
A donor tour is possibly one of the most exciting parts of fundraising. Tours give you the opportunity to show off your organization and talk to your donors face to face. They provide you the chance to share all your organization’s wonderful stories and provide a context for the work that you do. MORE
“Consider” is a very powerful word for fundraising. So, I suggest you consider using the word “ consider ” more often. The post Consider using the word “consider” more often appeared first on MarketSmart |. Consider this. MORE
Here’s a quick tip for you today on using Microsoft Word to check how easy it is for your supporters to read your communications. Word has the ability to let you know your Flesch Reading Ease score and your Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level. MORE
But I see so few orgs that ask supporters to spread the word on vital asks, and even fewer who make it easy (and far more likely) for them to do so. Film Festival which I’ve previously spread the word on— and current goal (to boost submissions by COB today ). MORE
But the English language is tricky, with many words sounding alike. Nancy Schwartz. You labor long and hard to get your marketing content right. We all do. That’s why it’s so dismaying when I see errors like these in campaigns and updates from organizations like yours. MORE
It’s the end of the year. Dollars have been raised. Dollars have been spent. Objectives have been established. Objectives (hopefully) have been met. Now, it’s time to shot it from the mountaintops! MORE
Last year I worked with Dr. Russell James to present his findings in the ground-breaking webinar titled Words that Work (get the quick-read eBook here ). In it, he presented evidence that many of the words we use in the sector are actually off-putting to our supporters. MORE
This month I had terrific conversations with three movers and shakers in the nonprofit marketing world – and you can read the results. The interviews were posted in the Nonprofit Marketing 360 blog. This month’s offerings are: Howard Adam Levy – principal of Red Rooster Group, a nonprofit branding agency in New York City. Notable quote: “Social media is a step toward engaging younger people and bringing them into the nonprofits’ world.” MORE
It’s a great example of the power of words. A friend shared this very powerful video with me and I wanted to share it with you. . “Vision Is Seeing the Invisible.&# — Jonathan Swift. Thanks! Sandy. MORE
” In today’s guest post, Erica Mills of Claxon Marketing takes it to the next step by showing how specific words can actually debilitate your messaging. But finding the right words is hard. So you’ve got to make your words work. There’s always a better word. MORE
One important ingredient is your tagline — those vital eight words or less that complement your organization’s name to convey its unique impact or value with personality, passion, and commitment. MORE
Try one of these tried-and-true words and phrases to get the open, click and completion! Sending a petition, pledge or other advocacy call to action to your email list? I’ve combed thousands of emails from top advocacy organizations to get these phrases that work…so you don’t have to! MORE
Whether this describes you as an individual or as an organization, I’ve got one book, two questions and three words you need to read in 2010. Three Words. If you’ve quickly skimmed down here to read the three words, I’m sorry to say, it’s not that easy. MORE
My team recently created a word search for our new interns. It includes a bunch of different words and phrases used in the sector and here at MarketSmart. Word List. WORDS OF WISDOM. WORDS THAT WORK. The post Have some fun with MarketSmart’s word search! MORE
Words Related Topics iMarketSmart
FEBRUARY 2, 2018
My team recently created a word search for our new interns. It includes a bunch of different words and phrases used in the sector and here at MarketSmart. Word List. WORDS OF WISDOM. WORDS THAT WORK. The post Have some fun with MarketSmart’s word search!
iMarketSmart
JULY 15, 2016
Last year I worked with Dr. Russell James to present his findings in the ground-breaking webinar titled Words that Work (get the quick-read eBook here ). In it, he presented evidence that many of the words we use in the sector are actually off-putting to our supporters.
J Campbell Social Marketing
FEBRUARY 1, 2017
Can you condense your New Year’s Resolutions down to just three words? Why Three Words? Even though I have been a long-time fan of Chris Brogan, and I am an avid reader of Rob Hatch’s email musings, I have never created my own three words for a year. Word #2: Focus.
iMarketSmart
JUNE 6, 2018
“Look,” I said, “Curse words are like lightning bolts. The post 3 reasons why I use curse words (but only one that matters) appeared first on MarketSmart, LLC |. She told me others would say I was unprofessional.
Getting Attention
MAY 16, 2013
But I see so few orgs that ask supporters to spread the word on vital asks, and even fewer who make it easy (and far more likely) for them to do so. Film Festival which I’ve previously spread the word on— and current goal (to boost submissions by COB today ).
Ann Green
JULY 19, 2018
I’m sure you’re familiar with the phrase “A picture is worth a 1000 words.” Donors get so many messages from different sources that sometimes they don’t want to read another word. It’s become somewhat of a cliche, but it’s also quite relevant in this time of information overload.
Getting Attention
SEPTEMBER 30, 2015
If crafted right, these eight words (or less) will complement your organization’s name to convey its unique impact or value with personality, passion, and commitment. Magical, memorable and likely to be repeated, in just a few words! You have a priceless, DOABLE opportunity to position your organization, programs, services, campaigns, and events in audiences’ hearts, minds, schedules, and wallets: Relevant messages ! Your tagline is the heart of your message platform.
iMarketSmart
OCTOBER 30, 2015
“Consider” is a very powerful word for fundraising. So, I suggest you consider using the word “ consider ” more often. The post Consider using the word “consider” more often appeared first on MarketSmart |. Consider this.
Cause Related Marketing
APRIL 25, 2012
I’ve been having some fun with word clouds and the one at the left is from this very blog. Like many such things, this word cloud hides as much as elucidates. It’s plain, for instance, that the word cloud generator only grabs posts from the top-most page of the blog. causemarketing.biz word cloudQuick post today from the left coast. Still, it has its own beauty. Cause-Related Marketing does a world of good.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
MARCH 10, 2016
Try one of these tried-and-true words and phrases to get the open, click and completion! Sending a petition, pledge or other advocacy call to action to your email list? I’ve combed thousands of emails from top advocacy organizations to get these phrases that work…so you don’t have to!
iMarketSmart
APRIL 17, 2015
Put the following words everywhere you possibly can: “Please consider making a gift to {your organization} in your will and financial plan.” The post Start Putting These Words Everywhere Right Now appeared first on MarketSmart.
iMarketSmart
APRIL 17, 2015
Put the following words everywhere you possibly can: “Please consider making a gift to {your organization} in your will and financial plan.” The post Start Putting These Words Everywhere Right Now appeared first on MarketSmart.
Getting Attention
OCTOBER 16, 2012
The only famous last words that matter are your call to action. Vice-Presidential candidate Paul Ryan aced it in his closing statement to last week’s debate: “The choice is clear, and the choice rests with you. And we ask you for your vote. Thank you.”
iMarketSmart
FEBRUARY 9, 2015
Last week one of my blog posts told you make sure to stay away from the word “bequest” in your communications with donors. But I failed to tell you what word or words to use instead.
A Small Change
JULY 8, 2015
It’s the end of the year. Dollars have been raised. Dollars have been spent. Objectives have been established. Objectives (hopefully) have been met. Now, it’s time to shot it from the mountaintops!
The Agitator
MAY 14, 2018
They certainly aren’t the types of words you would usually use to increase click-through, response, and conversion rates. “As a medical professional”…. That was simple, no? And, alas, they may not work for you.
Cause Related Marketing
JUNE 27, 2012
Twice now I’ve written about cause marketing campaigns that can be summed up in six-words. Both times I heard back from readers inspired to pen their own cause marketing summation in six-words. The six-word line is; “You Share.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Now that we’ve all dumped ice water on our heads and the ALS Association has raised over $116 million dollars, it’s time to talk about why the Ice Bucket Challenge really worked.
iMarketSmart
MARCH 27, 2017
The word bequest sucks when it comes to generating planned gift revenue. The post Here’s why you should remove the word "bequest" from your vocabulary appeared first on MarketSmart | . Stop using it.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
MAY 6, 2011
Do you see your organization in these words? What’s your organization’s personality in three words (either now, or what you aspire to)?
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
JULY 23, 2015
One important ingredient is your tagline — those vital eight words or less that complement your organization’s name to convey its unique impact or value with personality, passion, and commitment.
The Agitator
APRIL 30, 2015
I love words. I’ve made most of my career out of educating and persuading people through words. And yes, with an occasional photo or graphic to back me up. But now there’s video … but not just video … online video.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
JANUARY 12, 2016
As someone who earns a living largely through the written word, I’m about to make a difficult admission. When you’re pitching a story to the media, words aren’t enough. But don’t just take my word for it. Peter Panepento.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
JUNE 25, 2015
But the English language is tricky, with many words sounding alike. Nancy Schwartz. You labor long and hard to get your marketing content right. We all do. That’s why it’s so dismaying when I see errors like these in campaigns and updates from organizations like yours.
Fundraising 123
JANUARY 20, 2012
Here are some of the most important takeaways from our Speed Consulting for Nonprofit Websites webinars, featuring Mark Rovner and Alia McKee SeaChange Strategies along with our own Katya Andresen. Don’t leave your common sense at the door ? ?. Don’t make them have to think (the most important rule!). Interaction with your organization's website should be easy and fulfilling. Visitors don't want to have to stop their search to figure out where to go.
Get Fully Funded
JANUARY 4, 2010
I see a few friends who are setting their intentions for the year by choosing 3 words from Seth Godin’s new guide “ What Matters Now.&# I thought I’d do the same. Instead of choosing 3 words for me, I thought I’d choose 3 things I want for you. Think about what this year might hold if you grabbed these 3 words and took them to heart. Will you take on these 3 words for your year?
Getting Attention
FEBRUARY 10, 2015
Asking partners, friends and fans to spread the word may be the most effective, yet least expensive, marketing method there is. The Method: Make it easy for partners and bloggers in the nonprofit arena, plus YouTube influencers, to spread the word.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
JUNE 27, 2014
Here’s a quick tip for you today on using Microsoft Word to check how easy it is for your supporters to read your communications. Word has the ability to let you know your Flesch Reading Ease score and your Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level.
Fundraising 123
FEBRUARY 3, 2010
Recently, Lake Superior State University published its 35th annual List of Banished Words for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness. It included terms from 2009 such as friend (as a verb—thanks, Facebook); Tweet (good luck not using that one, nonprofiteers); and chillaxin’ (which I’m pretty sure isn’t a word to begin with, but yes, it’s tremendously annoying and disturbingly ubiquitous). And by the way, impactful isn’t a real word.
Donor Power Blog
FEBRUARY 8, 2012
Just a 4-word phrase, “Worth a Thousand Words”. But have you ever thought about telling your story without words? I came across a picture the other night on Facebook that I promptly shared. It had no explanation, no tag, no link, no credit, no nothing.
SocialButterfly
JANUARY 6, 2010
Whether this describes you as an individual or as an organization, I’ve got one book, two questions and three words you need to read in 2010. Three Words. If you’ve quickly skimmed down here to read the three words, I’m sorry to say, it’s not that easy.
Get Fully Funded
NOVEMBER 24, 2009
In preparation for the onslaught of company at my house this week, I’ve cleaned off my dining room table. It serves as a catch-all for the mail and other junk we bring in. In the stack of mail is a newsletter from my horse vet. He’s about 80-something years old and still makes farm calls.
A Small Change
MARCH 25, 2014
A donor tour is possibly one of the most exciting parts of fundraising. Tours give you the opportunity to show off your organization and talk to your donors face to face. They provide you the chance to share all your organization’s wonderful stories and provide a context for the work that you do.
Getting Attention
DECEMBER 21, 2009
Thanks to Fast Company for highlighting this fantastic example of effective graphic communication. Take a look here to digest the entire poster , then move quickly to hide your bottle of water under your desk. More seriously, this is graphic communication at its finest. I learned (and retain) more about the detriment that bottled water production contributes to our world (and our health, in some cases) in five minutes here than I ever would have in digesting a few paragraphs of text.
Non Profit Marketing 360
DECEMBER 24, 2011
This month I had terrific conversations with three movers and shakers in the nonprofit marketing world – and you can read the results. The interviews were posted in the Nonprofit Marketing 360 blog. This month’s offerings are: Howard Adam Levy – principal of Red Rooster Group, a nonprofit branding agency in New York City. Notable quote: “Social media is a step toward engaging younger people and bringing them into the nonprofits’ world.”
The Agitator
APRIL 24, 2013
Confession: I’m a slut when it comes to words. In Tom’s words: “Brand” used to mean logo, typeface, color, packaging, jingles and ads. I believe, too much so, that they matter more than any other symbol of human communication.
The Agitator
APRIL 15, 2014
Excuse me, but I just gotta get this out of my system. I am so fed up with reading and hearing from those who use the term ‘strategy’ without the slightest idea what it means. It’s a disease of dumbness and idiocy that has particularly infected the consulting community.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
OCTOBER 30, 2014
Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/28681973@N00/15053486347/. OK, copywriters. Listen up. It’s year-end fundraising time. You’re probably planning to crank up your nonprofit’s email schedule with fundraising appeals in December. How many are you going to send?
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
FEBRUARY 3, 2012
” In today’s guest post, Erica Mills of Claxon Marketing takes it to the next step by showing how specific words can actually debilitate your messaging. But finding the right words is hard. So you’ve got to make your words work. There’s always a better word.
iMarketSmart
JANUARY 11, 2016
Shortly after that meeting I heard a major donor say nearly the same darn thing but they switched a few words around as follows: “The only time I would feel comfortable giving a donation. Did you notice which words got switched?
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